US20180124504A1 - Passive radiators and related devices - Google Patents
Passive radiators and related devices Download PDFInfo
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- US20180124504A1 US20180124504A1 US15/335,933 US201615335933A US2018124504A1 US 20180124504 A1 US20180124504 A1 US 20180124504A1 US 201615335933 A US201615335933 A US 201615335933A US 2018124504 A1 US2018124504 A1 US 2018124504A1
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- diaphragm
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
- H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only
- H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
- H04R1/2807—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements
- H04R1/283—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements using a passive diaphragm
- H04R1/2834—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements using a passive diaphragm for loudspeaker transducers
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
- H04R1/025—Arrangements for fixing loudspeaker transducers, e.g. in a box, furniture
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R7/00—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones
- H04R7/02—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones characterised by the construction
- H04R7/12—Non-planar diaphragms or cones
- H04R7/127—Non-planar diaphragms or cones dome-shaped
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R7/00—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones
- H04R7/16—Mounting or tensioning of diaphragms or cones
- H04R7/18—Mounting or tensioning of diaphragms or cones at the periphery
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R9/00—Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type
- H04R9/02—Details
- H04R9/025—Magnetic circuit
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R9/00—Transducers of moving-coil, moving-strip, or moving-wire type
- H04R9/06—Loudspeakers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2307/00—Details of diaphragms or cones for electromechanical transducers, their suspension or their manufacture covered by H04R7/00 or H04R31/003, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2307/025—Diaphragms comprising polymeric materials
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R31/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of transducers or diaphragms therefor
- H04R31/003—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of transducers or diaphragms therefor for diaphragms or their outer suspension
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R7/00—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones
- H04R7/02—Diaphragms for electromechanical transducers; Cones characterised by the construction
- H04R7/04—Plane diaphragms
Abstract
A passive radiator includes an elastomeric member and mass. The elastomeric member defines a suspension structure that has an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder and a first snap-attach feature that is arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure. The first snap-attach feature enables the elastomeric member to be coupled to a mating feature. The mass is supported along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure and is configured for pistonic movement, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along a motion axis of the passive radiator.
Description
- This disclosure relates to passive radiators and related devices (e.g., loudspeakers).
- Passive radiators (sometimes referred to as “drones” or “drone cones”) are acoustic elements that can be used to increase the low frequency output of a loudspeaker, thereby giving the loudspeaker comparable performance characteristics to those of a larger system. A passive radiator typically has the appearance of a standard cone type electro-acoustic transducer, but with the electric motor (coil and magnet) removed; and generally includes a diaphragm, and a suspension (a/k/a “surround”), and, in some cases, a mounting frame.
- In typical use, a passive radiator is mounted to an acoustic enclosure (a sealed speaker box) along with an electro-acoustic transducer (a/k/a/“speaker” or “driver”) that converts electrical signals to acoustic energy. The sound pressure resulting from the acoustic energy provided by the electro-acoustic transducer drives the motion of the passive radiator. The movement of the passive radiator creates sound waves just as a normal transducer does.
- Often, a passive radiator is tuned to change the way its compliance interacts with the motion of air in the acoustic enclosure by adding a mass to its diaphragm. In some cases, the mass (e.g., a metal block) is secured to the diaphragm with an adhesive.
- In some alternative configurations the surround is molded directly around the mass in an insert molding process, or a multi-shot injection molding process. Such assembly processes effectively render the mass inseparable, and, thus, may not be ideal where tuning adjustments are desirable.
- All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.
- In one aspect, a passive radiator includes an elastomeric member and mass. The elastomeric member defines a suspension structure that has an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder and a first snap-attach feature that is arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure. The first snap-attach feature enables the elastomeric member to be coupled to a mating feature. The mass is supported along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure and is configured for pistonic movement, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along a motion axis of the passive radiator.
- Implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.
- In some implementations, the first snap-attach feature includes a recess for receiving a rib of the mating feature, and the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the rib.
- In certain implementations, the groove faces inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
- In some examples, the first snap-attach feature includes a recess that extends continuously in a closed form about a periphery of the suspension structure for receiving a peripheral rib of the mating feature, and the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the peripheral rib.
- In certain examples, the groove extends along an inner peripheral edge of the recess.
- In some cases, the suspension structure is in the form of a half-roll surround.
- In certain cases, the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature for coupling the mass to the elastomeric member.
- In some implementations, the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and the second snap-attach feature includes a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass. The sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
- In another aspect, a passive radiator includes a mass and an elastomeric member. The elastomeric member defines a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder; and a first snap-attach feature along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to the mass.
- Implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
- In some implementations, the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and the first snap-attach feature includes a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass. The sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
- In certain implementations, the protrusion extends inward toward a motion axis of the passive radiator.
- In some cases, the elastomeric member further defines a through hole that extends through the diaphragm to allow air trapped between the mass and the diaphragm to be released as the mass is inserted into the pocket.
- In certain cases, the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to a mating feature. The second snap-attach feature includes a recess that extends continuously in a closed form about a periphery of the suspension structure for receiving a rib of the mating feature, and the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the peripheral rib.
- Another aspect provides a loudspeaker that includes an acoustic enclosure defining an acoustic cavity, a passive radiator that is coupled to the acoustic enclosure, and an electro-acoustic transducer that is mounted to the acoustic enclosure such that sound waves generated by the electro-acoustic transducer are capable of acoustically energizing the passive radiator. The passive radiator includes an elastomeric member and a mass. The elastomeric member defines a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder, and a first snap-attach feature that is arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to a mating element on the acoustic enclosure. The mass is supported along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure and is configured for pistonic movement, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along a motion axis.
- Implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
- In some implementations, the first snap-attach feature is configured to couple with a mating feature on the acoustic enclosure and includes a recess for receiving a rib on the acoustic enclosure. The recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the rib.
- In certain implementations, the recess extends continuously in a closed form about the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure.
- In some cases, the recess is undersized relative to the rib so as to form a compression fit with the rib.
- In certain cases, the groove extends continuously in a closed form along an inner peripheral edge of the recess
- In some examples, the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature for coupling the mass to the elastomeric member.
- In some implementations, the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and the second snap-attach feature includes a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass. The sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
- In certain implementations, the pocket is arranged to face into the acoustic enclosure when mounted thereto.
- Another aspect features a loudspeaker that includes an acoustic enclosure defining an acoustic cavity, a passive radiator coupled to the acoustic enclosure, and an electro-acoustic transducer mounted to the acoustic enclosure such that sound waves generated by the electro-acoustic transducer are capable of acoustically energizing the passive radiator. The passive radiator includes a mass and an elastomeric member. The elastomeric member defines a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder, and a first snap-attach feature along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to the mass.
- Implementations may include one of the above and/or below features, or any combination thereof.
- In some implementations, the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and the first snap-attach feature includes a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass. The sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
- In certain implementations, the pocket is arranged to face into the acoustic enclosure when mounted thereto.
- Implementations may provide one or more of the following benefits.
- In some implementations, because a passive radiator is made from a single part of elastomeric material it can be made using processes like compression molding which are considerably less costly and time consuming than multi-shot injection molding.
- In certain implementations, the use of snap-attach features reduces (e.g., eliminates) the additional part cost and processing time for attachment methods likes screws or adhesives.
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FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a loudspeaker. -
FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the loudspeaker ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2A is detailed view showing a portion of a passive radiator fromdetail 2A-2A ofFIG. 1B . -
FIG. 2B is a detailed view of the passive radiator fromdetail 2B-2B ofFIG. 1B . - This disclosure is based on the realization that the conventional methods for attaching a passive radiator to an acoustic enclosure and/or for attaching a mass to a diaphragm of the passive radiator can be improved upon by utilizing a snap-attach feature. The use of snap-attach features can reduce assembly time, e.g., by reducing the need for installing individual hardware fasteners, and can allow for simplified repair or replacement of component parts by reducing the reliance on adhesives and thereby allowing easier separation and swapping out of individual components.
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FIG. 1A illustrates anexemplary loudspeaker 100 which includes anacoustic enclosure 102, an electro-acoustic transducer 104, and apassive radiator 106. Notably, thepassive radiator 106 is provided with snap-attach features for attaching thepassive radiator 106 to theacoustic enclosure 102 and for coupling a mass to a diaphragm of thepassive radiator 106, as will be discussed in greater detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 1B , the electro-acoustic transducer 104 is mounted within and acoustically seals afirst opening 107 in theacoustic enclosure 102. The electro-acoustic transducer 104 includes anelectric motor 108, adiaphragm 110, a suspension (112, 114), and aframe 116. Theelectric motor 108 includes amagnet assembly 118 andvoice coil 120 through which an electrical audio signal flows. The flowing current of the audio signal alternates, creating an electromagnetic field which is opposed by a permanent magnetic field of the magnet assembly. This causes thevoice coil 120 anddiaphragm 110 to move in a pistonic motion along amotion axis 122 of the electro-acoustic transducer 104. This movement of thediaphragm 110 pumps air and creates sound waves. - The suspension includes a
spider 112 and asurround 114. The suspension helps to center thevoice coil 120 relative to themagnet assembly 118 and it exerts a restoring force to keep it so centered. Thesuspension 112 also helps to limit the maximum mechanical excursion of thediaphragm 110 andvoice coil 120. - The
frame 116 provides a rigid structure to which the other transducer components are mounted and it serves as the mounting structure for coupling thetransducer 104 to theacoustic enclosure 102. In that regard, theframe 116 is secured to theacoustic enclosure 102 with mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws) such that thetransducer 104 has an airtight seal with theacoustic enclosure 102. In some cases a gasket may be provided between theframe 116 and theacoustic enclosure 102 to help ensure that an air tight seal is formed. Theframe 116 can be made of stamped steel, cast aluminum or plastic. - The
passive radiator 106 is mounted within and acoustically seals asecond opening 124 in theacoustic enclosure 102. Thepassive radiator 106 includes anelastomeric member 130 that defines asuspension structure 132 and adiaphragm 134. Thediaphragm 134 is arranged along an innerperipheral boarder 136 of thesuspension structure 132. Thesuspension structure 132 resiliently supports thediaphragm 134 so as to allow for relative movement between thediaphragm 134 and theacoustic enclosure 102. In the illustrated example, thesuspension structure 132 is in the form of a half-roll surround with a concave outer surface and an opposite, convex inner surface. - In the illustrated example, the convex surface faces into the
acoustic cavity 144. In that regard, it can be beneficial for thesuspension structure 132 to be more firmly attached away from the mass-retention snap feature (i.e., the second snap-attach feature, discussed below), so as it stresses it does not pull the snap open. In addition, in a space constrained design it can be beneficial to have the thickness of thesuspension structure 132 to be mainly centered and contained within the thickness of the mass+diaphragm stackup (so as not to add room required for travel). And lastly, it can be beneficial from a cosmetic perspective to have the mass on the inside (hidden from view). So with these three things in mind it sums up to wanting the concave surface of the roll on the outside and the convex side on the inside. - Notably, the
elastomeric member 130 also defines a first snap-attach feature that is arranged along an outerperipheral boarder 138 of thesuspension structure 132 for coupling thepassive radiator 106 to a mating feature on theacoustic enclosure 102 and in such a manner as to form an air tight seal therebetween. - A
mass 140 is coupled to thediaphragm 134 and configured for pistonic movement therewith, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along amotion axis 142 of thepassive radiator 106. In the illustrated embodiment, theelastomeric member 130 further defines a second snap-attach feature which is arranged along the innerperipheral boarder 136 of thesuspension structure 132 for coupling themass 140 to thediaphragm 134. Theelastomeric member 130 can be formed of a low durometer material, such as silicone rubber, and can be formed in a compression molding or injection molding process. The use of a low durometer material helps to ensure that the suspension structure has sufficient resilience to allow for movement of thediaphragm 134. - During operation of the
loudspeaker 100, thetransducer 104 acoustically energizes anacoustic cavity 144 defined by theacoustic enclosure 102, which causes thediaphragm 134 of thepassive radiator 106 to vibrate and emit sound waves. - Referring to
FIG. 2A , the first snap-attach feature includes arecess 200 for receiving a rib 202 on theacoustic enclosure 102. Therecess 200 defines agroove 204 for receiving adetent 206 on the rib 202. Therecess 200 and thegroove 204 may extend continuously in a closed form (e.g., in a closed ring, square, or rectangle) about the outerperipheral boarder 138 of thesuspension structure 132. Likewise, the rib 202 and thedetent 206 may extend continuously in a closed form that corresponds generally to that of therecess 200 andgroove 204. - The
groove 204 extends along an inner peripheral edge of therecess 200 such that thegroove 204 faces inward toward the motion axis 142 (FIG. 1B ) of thepassive radiator 106. There will be pressure trying to move the inner elastomeric surfaces relative to theenclosure 102. The outside lip of material, however will not see this pressure since it is not exposed to the internal box pressure. To keep theelastomeric member 130 held firmly in place for consistent performance and low noise, the interface between thegroove 204 anddetent 206 should be on the inside surface so that it is retained to the enclosure walls as close as possible to where the forces are exerted upon it. - The
recess 200 may be undersized relative to the rib 202 and/or thegroove 204 may be undersized relative to thedetent 206 to form a compression fit therebetween. A compression fit help to ensure that an air tight seal is provided at the junction between thepassive radiator 106 and theacoustic enclosure 102. The first snap-attach feature (i.e., therecess 200 and groove 204) being formed from a compliant material will deform to accommodate the mating feature (i.e., the rib and detent) on theacoustic enclosure 102 which is formed a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. - The snap-attach feature provides a sufficiently strong coupling to keep the outer
peripheral boarder 138 of thesuspension structure 132 connected to theacoustic enclosure 102 during use (i.e., during excursion of the diaphragm 134). The snap-attach feature provides simple and quick way to attach the passive radiator to the enclosure, which can reduce the total number of parts needed by reducing the need for fasteners or adhesive, and can reduce assembly time associated with installing fasteners and/or adhesive. The snap-attach feature can also allow for quick and nondestructive removal of thepassive radiator 106, e.g., to allow for servicing of the loudspeaker 100 (FIG. 1A ). - With reference to
FIG. 2B , the second snap-attach feature includes asidewall 220 that extends outwardly from thediaphragm 134 and forms apocket 221 therewith for receiving themass 140. Thesidewall 220 includes aprotrusion 222 for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of themass 140 thereby to retain themass 140 in thepocket 221. - In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface of the
sidewall 220 is angled so that the thickness of the sidewall is maximized near its base, where the maximum interference with themass 140 is. It is beneficial if the coupling between the second snap-attach feature and themass 140 is close to an interference fit to prevent buzzing during movement of thediaphragm 134. The second snap-attach feature (i.e., thesidewall 220 and the protrusion 222) being formed from a compliant material will deform to accommodate therigid mass 140. - The
sidewall 220 and theprotrusion 222 may extend continuously in a closed form (e.g., in a closed ring, square, or rectangle) about the innerperipheral boarder 136 of thesuspension structure 132. Theprotrusion 222 extends inward, from thesidewall 220, toward themotion axis 142 of thepassive radiator 106. Thepocket 221 is arranged to face into the acoustic enclosure when mounted thereto. The snap-attach feature being on the inside (i.e., facing into the acoustic cavity) can be beneficial because the forces that drive thediaphragm 134 are exerted on that side, which can help to keep the mass coupled to thediaphragm 134 by applying a force that effectively pushes the mass into thepocket 221. - The second snap-attach feature provides a simple attachment mechanism that allows removal and replacement of the
mass 140, thus enabling the tuning of thepassive radiator 106 to be adjusted both and/or after assembly. Such tuning adjustment is generally not possible with prior art devices that rely on insert molding or adhesive for coupling a mass to a diaphragm. Being able to remove and/or replace the mass not only allows tuning for particular production runs of a single device, but can also enable a shift in loudspeaker design towards a more uniform passive radiator design that could potentially be used with many devices and just adjusted by using different masses. - In some cases, once an appropriate mass is selected to provide the desired tuning, the mass can then be adhered in the pocket. This allows for the flexibility of selectively applying different masses to achieve the desired tuning, while also providing an enhanced coupling between the mass and the diaphragm once the mass is selected.
- In some cases, the elastomeric member may further define one or more through
holes 224 that extends through the diaphragm to allow air that might get trapped between the mass 140 and thediaphragm 134 to be released as themass 140 is inserted into thepocket 221. - While implementations have been described in which the recess and the groove of the first snap-attach feature extend continuously about the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure, in some implementations, the first snap-attach feature may instead include a plurality of discrete recesses, each defining an associated groove, which are spaced in an array about the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure. Similarly, the mating feature on the acoustic enclosure may include a plurality of ribs, each with an associated detent, which may be arranged in a corresponding array that coincides with the recesses and grooves on the passive radiator.
- Alternatively, the first snap-attach feature may include a recess that extends continuously in a closed form about the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure. The recess can define a plurality of discrete grooves that are spaced apart in an array (e.g., a radial array). Likewise, the rib on the acoustic enclosure may extend continuously in a closed form that corresponds generally to that of the recess, and it may define a plurality of discrete detents arranged in an array to coincide with the grooves. So, rather than providing one continuous snap location, a plurality of discrete snap locations are formed.
- Although implementations have been described in which the sidewall and the protrusion extend continuously in a closed form about the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure, in other implementations, the second snap-attach feature may include a plurality of discrete sidewalls that each define a corresponding protrusion, and which are arranged in a spaced array to define, together with the diaphragm, a pocket for receiving the mass.
- Alternatively, the sidewall may extend continuously in a closed form (e.g., in a closed a ring) about the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure, and it may define a plurality of discrete protrusions that are arranged in a spaced array for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to couple the mass to the diaphragm.
- In some cases, these snap-attach features can be used in conjunction with an adhesive for coupling the components in ways that might not be achievable or sufficient with adhesive alone. This combination of attachment mechanisms can provide for a more robust coupling than the snap-attach feature provides alone, while, at the same time, the presence of the snap-attach feature may allow a less strong adhesive, or a reduced amount of adhesive, to be used so that the parts can still be separated without damaging them.
- A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and, accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (32)
1. A passive radiator comprising:
an elastomeric member which defines:
a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder;
a first snap-attach feature arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to a mating feature; and
a mass supported along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure and configured for pistonic movement, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along a motion axis of the passive radiator.
2. The passive radiator of claim 1 , wherein the first snap-attach feature comprises a recess for receiving a rib of the mating feature, wherein the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the rib.
3. The passive radiator of claim 2 , wherein the groove faces inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
4. The passive radiator of claim 1 , wherein the first snap-attach feature comprises a recess that extends continuously in a closed form about a periphery of the suspension structure for receiving a peripheral rib of the mating feature, wherein the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the peripheral rib.
5. The passive radiator of claim 4 , wherein the groove extends along an inner peripheral edge of the recess.
6. The passive radiator of claim 1 , wherein the suspension structure is in the form of a half-roll surround.
7. The passive radiator of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature for coupling the mass to the elastomeric member.
8. The passive radiator of claim 7 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and wherein the second snap-attach feature comprises a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass, wherein the sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
9. The passive radiator of claim 8 , wherein the protrusion extends inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
10. The passive radiator of claim 8 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a through hole that extends through the diaphragm to allow air trapped between the mass and the diaphragm to be released as the mass is inserted into the pocket.
11. A passive radiator comprising:
a mass; and
an elastomeric member which defines:
a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder; and
a first snap-attach feature along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to the mass.
12. The passive radiator of claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and wherein the first snap-attach feature comprises a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass, wherein the sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
13. The passive radiator of claim 12 , wherein the protrusion extends inward toward a motion axis of the passive radiator.
14. The passive radiator of claim 12 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a through hole that extends through the diaphragm to allow air trapped between the mass and the diaphragm to be released as the mass is inserted into the pocket.
15. The passive radiator of claim 11 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to a mating feature, the second snap-attach feature comprising:
a recess that extends continuously in a closed form about a periphery of the suspension structure for receiving a rib of the mating feature, wherein the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the peripheral rib.
16. The passive radiator of claim 15 , wherein the groove faces inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
17. A loudspeaker comprising:
an acoustic enclosure defining an acoustic cavity;
a passive radiator coupled to the acoustic enclosure; and
an electro-acoustic transducer mounted to the acoustic enclosure such that sound waves generated by the electro-acoustic transducer are capable of acoustically energizing the passive radiator,
wherein the passive radiator comprises:
an elastomeric member which defines:
a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder; and
a first snap-attach feature arranged along the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to a mating element on the acoustic enclosure; and
a mass supported along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure and configured for pistonic movement, relative to the first snap-attach feature, along a motion axis.
18. The loudspeaker of claim 17 , wherein the first snap-attach feature is configured to couple with a mating feature on the acoustic enclosure and comprises a recess for receiving a rib on the acoustic enclosure, wherein the recess defines a groove for receiving a detent on the rib.
19. The loudspeaker of claim 18 , wherein the recess extends continuously in a closed form about the outer peripheral boarder of the suspension structure.
20. The loudspeaker of claim 18 , wherein the recess is undersized relative to the rib so as to form a compression fit with the rib.
21. The loudspeaker of claim 18 , wherein the groove faces inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
22. The loudspeaker of claim 18 , wherein the groove extends continuously in a closed form along an inner peripheral edge of the recess
23. The loudspeakers of claim 17 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a second snap-attach feature for coupling the mass to the elastomeric member.
24. The loudspeaker of claim 23 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and wherein the second snap-attach feature comprises a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass, wherein the sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
25. The loudspeaker of claim 24 , wherein the protrusion extends inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
26. The loudspeaker of claim 24 , wherein the pocket is arranged to face into the acoustic enclosure when mounted thereto.
27. The loudspeaker of claim 24 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a through hole that extends through the diaphragm to allow air trapped between the mass and the diaphragm to be released as the mass is inserted into the pocket.
28. A loudspeaker comprising:
an acoustic enclosure defining an acoustic cavity;
a passive radiator coupled to the acoustic enclosure; and
an electro-acoustic transducer mounted to the acoustic enclosure such that sound waves generated by the electro-acoustic transducer are capable of acoustically energizing the passive radiator,
wherein the passive radiator comprises:
a mass; and
an elastomeric member which defines:
a suspension structure having an inner peripheral boarder and an outer peripheral boarder; and
a first snap-attach feature along the inner peripheral boarder of the suspension structure for coupling the elastomeric member to the mass.
29. The loudspeaker of claim 28 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a diaphragm and wherein the first snap-attach feature comprises a sidewall that extends outwardly from the diaphragm and forms a pocket therewith for receiving the mass, wherein the sidewall includes a protrusion for engaging an area along the peripheral edge of the mass thereby to retain the mass in the pocket.
30. The loudspeaker of claim 29 , wherein the protrusion extends inward toward the motion axis of the passive radiator.
31. The loudspeaker of claim 29 , wherein the pocket is arranged to face into the acoustic enclosure when mounted thereto.
32. The loudspeaker of claim 29 , wherein the elastomeric member further defines a through hole that extends through the diaphragm to allow air trapped between the mass and the diaphragm to be released as the mass is inserted into the pocket.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/335,933 US10097916B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2016-10-27 | Passive radiators and related devices |
US16/132,782 US10362388B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2018-09-17 | Passive radiators and related devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/335,933 US10097916B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2016-10-27 | Passive radiators and related devices |
Related Child Applications (1)
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US16/132,782 Division US10362388B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2018-09-17 | Passive radiators and related devices |
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US20180124504A1 true US20180124504A1 (en) | 2018-05-03 |
US10097916B2 US10097916B2 (en) | 2018-10-09 |
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US15/335,933 Active 2036-11-25 US10097916B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2016-10-27 | Passive radiators and related devices |
US16/132,782 Active US10362388B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2018-09-17 | Passive radiators and related devices |
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US16/132,782 Active US10362388B2 (en) | 2016-10-27 | 2018-09-17 | Passive radiators and related devices |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN109275064A (en) * | 2018-09-30 | 2019-01-25 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Speaker and control method applied to speaker |
CN110475185A (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2019-11-19 | 海能达通信股份有限公司 | Acoustic radiation component and audible device |
GB2573889A (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-20 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
GB2574124A (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-27 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using liquid silicone rubber and preparation method thereof |
CN114025266A (en) * | 2021-10-27 | 2022-02-08 | 惠州市众瑞声电子有限公司 | Noise reduction type passive radiator |
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US4188778A (en) | 1978-07-14 | 1980-02-19 | Timex Corporation | Caseback with noncircular, multilobed snap-fit surface |
US4792054A (en) | 1987-08-13 | 1988-12-20 | Weatherchem Corporation | Tamper-evident closure for dispensers |
US5416283A (en) * | 1994-02-17 | 1995-05-16 | Adac Plastics, Inc. | Drop-in speaker mount |
US5899824A (en) | 1997-02-12 | 1999-05-04 | Accudart Corporation | Snap-fit dart and adapter |
US20040213429A1 (en) * | 2003-04-23 | 2004-10-28 | Gary Seidler | Fixture mounting assembly |
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Cited By (10)
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GB2573889A (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-20 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
GB2574124A (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2019-11-27 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using liquid silicone rubber and preparation method thereof |
GB2574124B (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2020-09-23 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using liquid silicone rubber and preparation method thereof |
GB2573889B (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2020-09-23 | Tymphany Acoustic Tech Huizhou Co Ltd | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
US20210394410A1 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2021-12-23 | Tymphany Acoustic Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
US11338483B2 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2022-05-24 | Tymphany Acoustic Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
US11780131B2 (en) * | 2018-05-07 | 2023-10-10 | Tymphany Acoustic Technology (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. | Passive horn integrally formed by using thermoplastic vulcanized rubber and preparation method thereof |
CN109275064A (en) * | 2018-09-30 | 2019-01-25 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Speaker and control method applied to speaker |
CN110475185A (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2019-11-19 | 海能达通信股份有限公司 | Acoustic radiation component and audible device |
CN114025266A (en) * | 2021-10-27 | 2022-02-08 | 惠州市众瑞声电子有限公司 | Noise reduction type passive radiator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10097916B2 (en) | 2018-10-09 |
US10362388B2 (en) | 2019-07-23 |
US20190020945A1 (en) | 2019-01-17 |
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